Matrix supporting device in electrostatic development apparatus

Abstract

A matrix supporting device in electrostatic developing apparatus, wherein the matrix is moved to a position in front of the magnetic developing roller while adhering to a rotable cylindrical surface, the axis of rotation of which is at a fixed spacing from that of the roller.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A matrix supporting device in an electrostatic developing apparatus, comprising: a magnetic developing roller for applying toner to the exposed surface of said matrix:   means defining a rotatable cylindrical surface; and   means for spacing the axis of rotation of said cylindrical surface at a fixed spacing from that of said roller; and   wherein said means defining a rotatable cylindrical surface includes:   a cylindrical skirt portion for receiving said matrix; and   a pair of rocker clamps for releasably clamping the leading and trailing edges of said matrix at the outer circumferentially spaced edges of said skirt portion; and   said device further comprising: means for pressing said matrix against said cylindrical skirt; and means for stepping said pressing means over said clamps as said skirt rotates.     
     
     
       2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means defining a rotatable cylindrical surface is a cylindrical drum having a disc shaped head closing each end of said cylindrical surface. 
     
     
       3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said skirt portion and heads are coated with an insulating material, except for an intermediate skirt strip which is specular. 
     
     
       4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said clamps are coated with an insulating material. 
     
     
       5. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the movement of said clamps is controlled by cam means.